Mario Adinolfi placed under house arrest on fraud and tax evasion allegations

Italian journalist and leader of the Popolo della Famiglia, Mario Adinolfi, was taken into custody by the Guardia di Finanza and placed under house arrest in Rome. Prosecutors allege he ran a scheme called the “Scommessa Collettiva,” promising high returns on sports‑betting investments and collecting millions from private investors. The investigation estimates a financial damage of about €5 million and an additional €400 000 in alleged tax evasion.

A victim, a 70‑year‑old woman with a disability, said she handed over €82 000 to Adinolfi in 2016 and received only €20 000 back, claiming the funds were meant for her care. Adinolfi has denied all wrongdoing, calling the case “surreal” and asserting his total innocence. In public statements he pledged to challenge the secrecy of the investigation, the use of an electronic monitoring bracelet, and what he describes as media bias linking him to the TV program Le Iene.

The case follows earlier controversy, including his exclusion from a mayoral race in Prato over alleged irregularities in his candidacy. He remains under electronic monitoring while awaiting further legal proceedings.